First time on HAL! ... upgrade question

[jleck]

Hi.

I've cruised on NCL twice, once while growing up and March '06. March '06 was on the Dawn and we took an upsell, from a mini-suite to a penthouse ... it was great.

My parents are huge HAL fans ... they met on a HAL cruise! Now I am taking their advice and have booked a SB the Noordam for March '08.

I'm asking all you repeat HAL cruisers what do you think my chances are for being upgraded to a SA?

What about an upsell to a penthouse?

Thanks for your input!:)

[jhannah]

Upsells don't happen all that often. So your chances are a question mark. About the same for upgrades within the category. The Upgrade Fairy is indeed a mysterious presence. Impossible to figure out. Anything's possible, but I wouldn't get my hopes up. Holland America offers a wonderful cruise experience, but they are not as generous with upgrades as some other lines.

Welcome to HAL cruising. The Noordam is a great ship, and I'm sure you will enjoy it.

[sab490]

SB to SA upgrade would be unusual. The only advantage to SA in my opinion is being closer to the Neptune Lounge. The rooms, amenities and perks are identical. I would think the PH's are sold out on every cruise so an upsell would also not be likely. But then again, anything is possible. The upgrade/upsell fairy works in mysterious ways. ;)

[kh6275]

Hi.

I've cruised on NCL twice, once while growing up and March '06. March '06 was on the Dawn and we took an upsell, from a mini-suite to a penthouse ... it was great.

My parents are huge HAL fans ... they met on a HAL cruise! Now I am taking their advice and have booked a SB the Noordam for March '08.

I'm asking all you repeat HAL cruisers what do you think my chances are for being upgraded to a SA?

What about an upsell to a penthouse?

Thanks for your input!:)

I just got off of the Noordam and it was my first HAL cruise. I booked an SC guarantee and three weeks out I was given an SA. It was truly great. Here is a video of Suite SA7055 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0f-Ww_zrW-8

[jleck]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

kh6275 - I had actually already checked out your video! Thanks for posting ... and giving me the link again.

Well, I took the plunge this morning and had my TA switch our reservation to the penthouse.

My husband and I will be traveling with his children (horrors ;)) and I feel (um, haven't told my husband! will be a surprise for him) we will have more privacy in the penthouse.

Our cabin is super important to all four of us and think I made the smart decision.

I'd love to hear from other passengers who spent time in one of the Noordam's penthouse cabins!! Tell me your tales of luxury ... I'm all ears!